As summer approaches and the peak driving period draws near with more people out and about on business or vacation trips we would like to remind you to move over for first responders along the roads, whether it be a tow truck, ambulance or fire and police vehicles. It helps to keep us and those we are helping safe and also prevents trouble for you and your wallet. Many first responders have been injured or killed while working at incidents along the roadways. Several states have similar laws and fines in place to help protect first responders. The below excerpt from the Pennsylvania vehicle code states what you need to do if you encounter an emergency scene in your travels:
Duty of driver in emergency response areas.
(a) General rule.–When approaching or passing an emergency
response area, a person, unless otherwise directed by an
emergency service responder, shall:
(1) pass in a lane not adjacent to that of the emergency
response area, if possible; or
(2) if passing in a nonadjacent lane is impossible,
illegal or unsafe, pass the emergency response area at a
careful and prudent reduced speed reasonable for safely
passing the emergency response area.
(b) Penalty.–Any person violating subsection (a) commits a
summary offense and shall, upon conviction, pay a fine of not
more than $250.
“Emergency response area.” The area in which emergency
service responders render emergency assistance to individuals on
or near a roadway or a police officer is conducting a traffic
stop or systematic check of vehicles as long as the emergency
vehicle is making use of visual signals meeting the requirements
of Subchapter D of Chapter 45.
